2 syllables: dol, lars. Stress on dol.
/ˈdɑlɚz/
Say it backThe word 'dollars' refers to the primary currency unit used in several countries, most notably the United States. It represents a form of currency that can facilitate trade, investment, and various economic activities. Plural of 'dollar', it indicates amounts that may be totaled in this currency, often used in everyday transactions and financial discussions.
"I saved two hundred dollars to buy a new laptop."
"The price of the concert tickets was fifty dollars each."
"She donated ten dollars to the local charity."
The word 'dollars' is pronounced as /ˈdɑːlərz/ in American English and /ˈdɒləs/ in British English. The stress is on the first syllable. Be aware that in some accents, the final 's' sound might be softened or pronounced differently, especially among non-native speakers, leading to variations in clarity.
Many speakers, especially non-native ones, may struggle with the vowel sounds in 'dollars'. A frequent error is mispronouncing the ‘o’ sound as in 'doll' instead of as a schwa in unstressed syllables. Linking can pose challenges too; some may drop the 's' entirely when quickly speaking. A clear articulation of the second syllable can improve accuracy.
In American English, 'dollars' is pronounced as /ˈdɑːlərz/, with a prominent 'r' sound, making it rhotic. In contrast, British accents may drop the 'r', pronouncing it more as /ˈdɒləs/. Australian English usually follows the British pattern but can vary slightly based on regional accents, often leading to /ˈdɒləz/. This variance highlights the importance of accent awareness in pronunciation.
Mastering the pronunciation of 'dollars' is vital due to its high frequency in financial discussions, trade, and everyday conversations about money. Proper pronunciation ensures clarity, particularly in professional and global contexts where comprehension can impact business transactions. It also helps avoid misunderstandings, especially in multi-international dialogues involving currency discussion.
The pronunciation of 'dollars' can slightly change in connected speech, particularly in rapid conversation. Native speakers often link the sounds, causing 'dollars' to blend with preceding words, which may lead to a softer 's' sound. For example, in the phrase 'two dollars extra', it may sound more like 'tudollars extra'. Practicing these phrases can improve fluency.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "dollars"!
The term 'dollar' traces its origins to the Spanish word 'dólar', which itself was derived from the name of the Joachimsthaler, a silver coin minted in the town of Joachimsthal in the early 16th century. These coins became widely used in Europe and were known for their standard silver content. The word evolved from 'thaler', linked to the German 'Taler', which was a name for the coin. By the 19th century, 'dollar' was adopted into American English as the standard unit of currency in the United States, representing a shift from previously used currencies like the pound or Spanish dollar. The first documented use in English dates back to the 1550s, reflecting trade with the Spanish colonies and valuing the coin based on its silver content. Over time, the term generalized to denote money in various contexts, supporting its frequent use in modern English as a measure of economic value.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "dollars" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "dollars" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "dollars" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "dollars"
-ers sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
